Wheels move to make public transport people-friendly

Rasika Somarathna

Sri Lanka's public transport service is set for an overhaul with the Ministry introducing several measures to make it more productive and people friendly.

Lankan commuters bare ample testimony to the daily harassment they have to undergo in the form of indiscipline and abuse by workers, lack of facilities, inadequate transport services, indiscriminatory price hikes and schedules etc.

Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma elaborating on the proposed measures yesterday, said the initiative's sole intention was to provide a vibrant transport service which would be efficient and people friendly.

He emphasised the need to strengthen the State transport sector while encouraging the private sector for a better performance with efficient and corruption free management to provide a viable service to the public.

According to new regulations a bus can have only one conductor and buses plying on long distance routes should keep the doors closed. Display of promotional items and other materials which hamper commuters' vision has also been banned.

Information leaflets given by authorities including the valid operator licence including the number of the bus, ticket price and schedule should be displayed prominently, while a clock, fire extinguisher and a first aid box are to be made compulsory.

Noise levels inside the bus should be below 85 decibels and loud noise generated through faulty mechanisms should be minimised with authorities providing technical assistance to overcome such matters.

The vehicles should also be subjected to an annual inspection by an authorised agent appointed by the National Transport Commission, (NTC). Also carrying people above the stipulated number too would be a punishable offence with travelling on foot board too being banned.

Unnecessary force or shouting to attract commuters has also been prohibited. Vehicles should also carry enough fuel to reach the intended destination. The destination and routes are to be displayed in all three languages.

Ticket machines have also been made compulsory and the ticket should include information such as price, time, destination etc.

The area combining the Fort Railway Station, Bastien Road bus stand and central bus stand are to be combined and declared as a transport zone and is to be brought under NTC control.

The Ministry has also planned to launch an exclusive school transport service and also boost transport services in the rural areas under two separate initiatives.

Alahapperuma stressed that the Ministry would take steps to impose the proposed initiatives without fear or favour to achieve a better transport service.